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Biological aerosol work wins Beilby Medal

The 2010 Beilby Medal was presented at a gala dinner reception at the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) in London on 6 July. The recipient of this prestigious medal, jointly awarded by SCI, RSC and IOM3, was Dr Suwan Jayasinghe for his contribution to applied materials science in the field of healthcare. His seminal research has led to a new field of study, biological aerosols, and shown just how important materials science research is to healthcare. His work has potential application in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and controlled and targeted therapeutics through cells. He has developed techniques suitable for a range of living materials, from single cells to organisms, without causing any damage to them.

Suwan Jayasinghe received his bachelors degree with honours and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Brunel University and subsequently pursued his doctor of philosophy research at the materials department at Queen Mary College, University of London. In January 2005 he was appointed an RCUK fellow and in 2006 he joined the department of mechanical engineering at University College London. Here he leads the biophysical activities within the department. His recent research interests underpin the direct bridging of the physical with the life sciences, using advanced processing methodologies to explore direct engineering of living cells to fabricate biologically viable constructs. In addition, his group develops novel micro- and nano-patterning methodologies for handling structural and functional materials.

The Beilby Medal and Prize is awarded in recognition of substantial work of exceptional practical significance in chemical engineering, applied materials science, energy efficiency or a related field with preference given to candidates under 40 years of age. In 2011 SCI will be responsible for coordinating nominations and selection of the Beilby Medallist.